Apart from your Writing Sample and Personal Statement, your Letters of Recommendation are one of the most important parts of your application.
- Request these early! Letters of recommendation aren’t as easy to write as they look. Your recommenders will take great care in writing them, and it is not only vital but also courteous to allow them enough time to do so. Remember that they are most likely writing recommendation letters for several other people as well.
- Contact your recommenders ahead of time — even several months ahead — to inquire if they are available to write a letter for you. Once they have agreed, it is a good idea to send them your resume, personal statement and a few examples of your graded work so they have an idea of your experience and what you are hoping to achieve in graduate school.
- Every institution will have instructions on how many recommendation letters they require. Typically you will need three recommenders, although this is not a hard and fast rule. Some schools will require that at least one letter be from your academic adviser, or someone informed about your experience in the field you are interested in. Most (though not necessarily all) of your recommenders should be English professors who are familiar with your most advanced work and can comment on its distinctiveness.
- Though most institutions require recommenders to submit their letters online, they also have options to send in paper letters as well. Inquire which method your recommenders prefer and let them know the procedures and deadlines for submitting letters.
- When registering your recommenders on the online application form, you will be asked if you want to waive your right to have access to these letters at a later date. While the option is up to you, admissions committees tend to give more credence to letters they believe the applicant will not see.